28 Fortieth Annual Meeting 



Before the printing of the last report was taken up Dr. Smith 

 secured bids from several responsible firms, and the proposal of the 

 W. F. Roberts Company, Washington, D. C, for 700 copies at $1.50 

 per page, being the lowest bid received, was accepted. Arrangements 

 were also made by which reprints of papers in the Transactions could 

 be secured by authors. 



An extensive campaign for new members was inaugurated by Dr. 

 Smith, acting primarily on behalf of the Fortieth Anniversary Com- 

 mittee, in which work he had the co-operation of the Assistant Sec- 

 retary. Over 400 circulars accompanied by application blanks and 

 stamped return envelopes, as well as quite a number of personal appeals, 

 were sent to fish and game clubs, fishery officials, scientists, sportsmen. 

 anglers, commercial dealers, and various others soliciting their member- 

 ship in the Society. Largely as a result of these efforts 113 applications 

 were received during the year. Almost wholly to Dr. Smith belongs 

 the credit of this splendid showing. The full significance of these 

 efforts may be appreciated when it is known that the largest number of 

 applications heretofore reported in a single year was in 1903 when 72 

 were received. 



Not being aware of the existence of any application blank, a form 

 has been prepared of appropriate design, containing among other 

 things a statement of the objects of the Society, the costs of member- 

 ship, and a request that the applicant state the features of fishery work 

 in which he is most interested. 



In order that the .Society may issue proper credentials to each indi- 

 vidual member, it is recommended that a certificate of membership be 

 granted under seal of the Society. This would lend weight and 

 dignity to our action, which seems wholly lacking at present, and at the 

 same time it should stimulate interest in the Society. A tentative 

 design of a certificate has been prepared which can be taken up at any 

 time desired by the Society. 



Another thing that should receive attention is a revival of the Society's 

 seal of three crossed fishes in a circle which also borders the name of 

 the organization. This form of seal was adopted before we took our 

 present name in 1884. In 1897 action was taken to restore the seal, 

 properly amending tlic title, and in 1898 Secretary Whitaker reported 

 the purchase at a cost of $4.50. The present whereabouts of this seal 

 is unknown. 



The following is an inventory of the reports now on hand: 



1895 3 1903 2 



1896 2 1904 74 



1897 2 1905 2 



1898 3 1906 110 



1899 5 1907 104 



1900 5 1908 130 



1901 6 1909 110 



1902 9 



